Therapy with Mixed-Race Children and Families: Clinical Issues and Interventions

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, roughly nine million Americans identify themselves as mixed-race, and it is estimated that the mixed-race population in the U.S. will reach 21% by 2050. In spite of this, multiracial individuals and families remain marginalized and overlooked by mainstream U.S. society. As a result, the unique racially-based issues and struggles that they face are often poorly understood by mental health and social service professionals, making it difficult for multiracial families to receive effective support during times of need. This workshop will explore how race organizes reality in the U.S., and the implications this has for how mixed-race people understand and negotiate their racial identities. The unique dilemmas and challenges facing mixed-race children and families will be identified. Participants will learn methods for assessing how race may be related to the issues that bring clients to therapy, and recommendations for clinical interventions will be provided.